Somehow I missed the memo about Banana Republic moving their factory store on-line. Previously found only in outlet malls, the factory store is a great place to find affordable styles to round out your wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorites.
Need inexpensive suiting? The Factory is a good place to start your search.
If you’re into the coordinating trend, this skirt has a matching crop top.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Before we start today’s reader questions, I wanted to take a moment to talk a bit about mental health. For those who experience mental health challenges — whether occasionally or frequently — talking about our struggles is a double-edged sword.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Before we start today’s reader questions, I wanted to take a moment to talk a bit about mental health. For those who experience mental health challenges — whether occasionally or frequently — talking about our struggles is a double-edged sword.
Sometimes, you just want to wear something pretty to the office. Something that makes you feel good. A dress that makes your whole day better. These are those dresses.
Poor Banana is suffering from an identity crisis. It’s been frustrating to see them change stylists and now offer far more casual (and much less tailored!) looking options. I have struggled to purchase anything there in months, because a lot of their clothing is no longer business appropriate.
I totally agree. BR was never fashion forward, but it was a reliable option for business clothes. IMO the new stylists ruined what was a solid brand.
And, everything I’ve bought at Banana Republic Factory recently has *disintegrated* after a wash or two. I had a blouse literally come apart at the seams in the middle of a work day… and my boss was the one of noticed it first. Mortifying. The cardigans I bought during the same trip developed an uneven waffle-y texture after being washed the first time (on cold). Save your money.
That’s not good. I only have one thing from there, and it’s held up pretty well. Of course, it’s a couple of years old.
I just wish online factory stores like BR & JCrew offered tall sizes. They offer petite. What gives?
JCrew has a few things: https://factory.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/extendedsizes.jsp